MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—“THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
Wherever we live in the world, there are good things and bad things. There are happy things and sad things.
Right now, I live in Spain. My beloved America, on the other side of the Atlantic, sits tall . . . although, from my distant view, it appears to be in shambles, conflict, disappointment, mess.
Perhaps I need a fresh perspective, a new view. Perhaps, if I put on my gratitude glasses, I might begin to see beauty from ashes.
In all the places I have lived, I have tried to “Bloom Where I’m Planted.” I don’t know where that expression comes from, but I have tried to follow it—tried to find contentment in my circumstances wherever I am.
Today, a week after Thanksgiving, I decided to be continually thankful for what I have here and now . . . not there and tomorrow . . . but here and now.
“As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible. Whenever, meaning—now; wherever, meaning—here.”
Ann Voskamp—One Thousand Gifts
Today, I live in Spain. All I have is the here and now.
I love the writer author, Ann Voskamp. I have currently been challenged in her book, One Thousand Gifts, to make a written list of 1,000 things I’m thankful for—1,000 gifts from God.
It’s amazing how my eyes begin to open. I begin to see “gifts” all around me, things I would typically walk by and miss completely.
On this early Saturday morning, when I sat down to continue my list, I thought about Spain. I thought about my home here and now.
What Am I Thankful For?
I share my list with you. Don’t worry, it won’t be a list of 1,000 things! After reading mine, I encourage you to do the same. Write a list of 20 things (or more!) that you are thankful for from your land—the place where you live here and now.
—Free tapas that come with cheap drinks
—Freedom to take siestas everyday
—Beauty of a new language—Español
—Mountains that surround us—view from our front windows
—Yummy churros and chocolate
—Sunshine almost everyday
—Excellent soccer teams
—Flamenco dancers and strumming guitars
—Rich history in architecture
—Laid-back, relaxed lifestyle
—Gorgeous beaches on all sides
—Clear skies and orange sunsets
—Paella
—Colorful outdoor markets
—People that love and are proud of their country
—Tinto de Verano, sweet summer wine
—Kind and patient people who help me with my broken Spanish
—Cafe con leche in the local coffeehouse
—Safe houses who welcome exploited women and children in their country
—Other expats living in Spain, who are like family to us
—Freedom of religion
—Cobblestone streets
. . . . to be continued
It didn’t take long for me to add 20 or more to my list of “1000 Gifts.” I’m now at #187.
Get out your pen and paper . . . start writing your list of things you are thankful for in your land—the place where you live here and now. If you struggle to find #1 and #2, don’t worry . . . the rest will quickly follow once you get the ink flowing.
—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER
MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—“THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
LET’S WEAVE CULTURES!
How does it feel to write out “20 Gifts” from your land? How does it change your perspective when you put on your gratitude glasses?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
